Former, previous; of times past.

Former, previous; of times past.

• A. Solipsism
• B. Erstwhile
• C. Accretion
• D. Purview

Answer: (B)

This question tests your knowledge of a word meaning “former” or “in times past.” The term erstwhile is a classic fit here: it directly conveys something that used to be the case but is no longer true, and it often has a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone. For example, you could say “his erstwhile colleague” to refer to someone who was once a colleague but isn’t anymore. The other words don’t match that sense. Solipsism is a philosophical idea about whether anything outside one’s own mind can be known, not about time. Accretion means gradual buildup or growth, not a past status. Purview refers to the scope or range of something, especially of authority or knowledge, not time-related. So, erstwhile best captures “former, previous; of times past.”

This question tests your knowledge of a word meaning “former” or “in times past.” The term erstwhile is a classic fit here: it directly conveys something that used to be the case but is no longer true, and it often has a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone. For example, you could say “his erstwhile colleague” to refer to someone who was once a colleague but isn’t anymore.

The other words don’t match that sense. Solipsism is a philosophical idea about whether anything outside one’s own mind can be known, not about time. Accretion means gradual buildup or growth, not a past status. Purview refers to the scope or range of something, especially of authority or knowledge, not time-related.

So, erstwhile best captures “former, previous; of times past.”